Ringing in the New Year: Westin Resort, Cape Harbour celebrate start of 2014

December 26, 2013

As 2013 draws to a close, the public is invited to usher in the new year at two waterfront events. Both Cape Harbour and The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village are holding New Year's Eve celebrations, complete with fireworks at midnight and live entertainment throughout the evening.

The 8th Annual New Year's Eve Party will run from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Marina at Cape Harbour, while The Westin will first start seating for dinner at the New Year's Eve Celebration at 5 p.m.

The highlight of the Cape Harbour event is a 170-foot ball drop, including a countdown.

"Each year, we improve on it," event manager Glenda Swager said.

"We add more lights every year," she said. "It's starting to look like a disco ball."

This year, there are a total of approximately 10,000 lights on the ball.

Immediately following the drop, a fireworks show will take place for about 15 minutes.

"All of it happens at once," Swager said.

Last year, an estimated 3,000-plus people were in attendance.

"It's always been a terrific turnout," she said.

Revelers are welcome to come early and enjoy one of the Cape Harbour restaurants.

"All of our shops and restaurants are open," Swager said.

Pignoli on the Harbour will feature a special party and live entertainment from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

"You can sit dockside and watch the fireworks," she said.

Reservations are required and can be made at (239) 541-0800.

Waterfront dining is also available at Rumrunners, with open dinner seating from 5 to 10 p.m. However, reservations are recommended and can be made at (239) 542-0200.

Reservations are not required at The Joint, where Soapy Tuna will perform starting at 8 p.m.

"You may want to bring a folding chair," Swager said.

People can set up seating along the marina's north shore, where parking is also available.

"With the reflection in the marina, you're getting double the fireworks," she said.

A handicapped zone will be marked off, with signage to direct traffic.

Also that evening at Cape Harbour, the Banana Bay Tour Company will make its end-of-year sunset cruise. Guests of the two-hour cruise will meet dockside at Rumrunners one hour before sunset.

To reserve a spot on the cruise, call (239) 728-8687.

"Cape Harbour is such a beautiful beautiful area," Swager said.

"Come out for the evening and walk the promenade. You don't have to spend any money," she said. "We just want to really show people what's at that corner of Cape Coral."

There is no cost to attend the festivities at Cape Harbour.

The New Year's Eve Celebration at The Westin centers around a prix fixe dinner at Marker 92 Waterfront Bar and Bistro. Diners will have their choice of one salad, one entree and one dessert.

"It's a three-course meal," marketing manager Stefanie Eakin said.

Executive Chef Drew created the menu selections.

The first dinner seating from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. costs $60 per person.

The second seating, which runs from 9 to 11 p.m., costs $85 per person.

A champagne toast at midnight is included in the total price.

Dinner reservations are required at (239) 541-5600.

"There's still openings for both seatings, but it is getting pretty booked," she said Thursday.

Girl Meets Boy, the former Derek Trenholm Band, will perform outside from 8 p.m. to midnight.

"It's going to be a mixture of music," Eakin said.

Inside, a pianist will set the mood in the resort's lobby.

At the stroke of midnight, a fireworks show will take place for about 15 minutes.

"It's going to be a great event," she said. "The fireworks overlooking the water and having that setting and having the live music - it's really going to make the night."

Last year, an estimated 400 people attended the New Year's Eve celebration.

"We expect around the same this year," Eakin said.

"It was a great event, and everyone enjoyed themselves," she said.

For those skipping the dinner, the Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar and Grill will be open to the public.

"They don't need reservations for that," Eakin said of the outside bar. "It is a great view for the fireworks show."

She noted that attendees are welcome to make a reservation for the night at The Westin, so they can fully relax and enjoy the festivities and cocktails without worrying about getting home safely.

"It's the perfect place to ring in the new year with friends and family," Eakin said.

To book a reservation with the hotel, call (239) 541-5000.

The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is at 5951 Silver King Blvd.

For more information on the New Year's Eve Celebration at The Westin's Marker 92 Waterfront Bar and Bistro, visit online at: www.marker92.com or call (239) 541-5600.

The Marina at Cape Harbour is at 5828 Cape Harbour Drive.

For more information on the 8th Annual New Year's Eve Party at the Marina at Cape Harbour, visit online at: www.capeharbour.com or call (239) 470-2746.